maintenance mechanic

Maintenance mechanics are responsible for doing everything from maintaining equipment to performing troubleshooting and emergency repairs. You'll also conduct preventive maintenance to ensure the job site doesn't experience significant downtime because of a mechanical failure. The most common job duties for maintenance mechanics include:

• diagnosing machine failures before providing necessary repairs
• installing various replacement parts
• adhering to a preventive maintenance schedule that includes servicing and testing different types of machinery
• assembling and installing new equipment
• implementing maintenance best practices and safety guidelines
• using a wide range of hand tools and power tools
• documenting maintenance through a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS)

Your job duties shouldn't change unless you land a job as a senior maintenance mechanic. In this scenario, you'll assign work to other maintenance mechanics and create detailed maintenance schedules. If you work in a large facility with many team members, expect to supervise new mechanics and administer their training.

Working as a maintenance mechanic in the construction industry is much different from doing so in the aviation field. There are, however, some typical expectations you should have for your work environment. For example, maintenance mechanics usually stand for the majority of their shift.

You'll repair and maintain complex machinery that oftentimes consists of greasy parts. Minor workplace injuries, such as sprains, bruises and small cuts, occur regularly. If your job takes place in a harsher environment, expect to wear safety goggles, hard hats and other protective equipment. Even when maintenance mechanics aren't at work, they're often on call.

Most maintenance mechanics work with other technical professionals. For example, expect to work with maintenance technicians regardless of the type of industry you're in. While you're responsible for machine upkeep, maintenance technicians take care of maintaining the entire facility you work in. The specific people you work with depend on the industry you join. If you apply to a larger company, you'll likely work as part of a team that's overseen by a supervisor or general manager.

Maintenance mechanics typically have full-time, 40-hour workweeks. However, expect to work overtime depending on the scope of your work. It's also common for unexpected maintenance problems to occur that require more of your time and focus.

Even if your workweek is 40 hours, this doesn't mean that you'll have standard working hours. It's standard for maintenance mechanics to work shifts that range from six to 12 hours. These shifts take place at any time. For example, night shifts and early morning shifts are commonplace.

Most types of maintenance mechanic jobs have a positive outlook. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for machinery maintenance mechanics is 13% growth over the next decade. In comparison to all other professions, this growth rate is far faster than normal.

All types of companies require maintenance mechanics to ensure their machinery runs properly. Every manufacturer and apartment building needs a maintenance mechanic to fix issues as they arise and provide routine upkeep.

As a maintenance mechanic, you'll have access to career advancement opportunities. When you work as an entry-level mechanic, you'll complete minor maintenance tasks that don't require comprehensive skills or knowledge. Once you gain some experience, your tasks should include repair and maintenance work on all pieces of equipment in the building. People who stay in this position long enough often receive promotions to work as maintenance supervisors.

Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:

• being paid weekly
• flexibility
• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
• many training opportunities
• a range of jobs in your area

Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company?  A temporary job as a maintenance mechanic is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

Maintenance mechanics troubleshoot, maintain and repair machinery. The types of machinery these mechanics work on include medical equipment, laboratory equipment and factory machines. Most of the job involves working with your hands.

You'll use your hands with tools, controls and other objects. Maintenance mechanics also stand for a lengthy amount of time during the average shift. Expect to routinely bend your body to get into uncomfortable positions depending on the machinery you're working on.

Maintenance mechanics do more specialized work, while technicians focus on broader tasks. For example, a maintenance mechanic in the auto industry replaces brake pads and handles oil changes. Technicians typically diagnose problems and manage certain administrative tasks.

It's important that maintenance mechanics have knowledge of technical specifications for the systems they're working on. They also need to know about the latest safety requirements and the most basic operating principles.

Maintenance mechanics take part in regular troubleshooting to determine the main source of an equipment malfunction. They often receive calls from other people in the building when a machine goes down and requires attention. When not working on a repair task, mechanics focus on maintaining systems to keep them in good condition.

Applying for a maintenance mechanic job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our maintenance mechanic jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!